So, you’re on the hunt for a single-board computer (SBC), huh? But not just any SBC, you want one with an M.2 slot – that super handy little feature that lets you add lightning-fast NVMe storage or other cool expansion cards. Well, you’ve come to the right place! we’re going to take a look at some of the best SBCs out there that come with an M.2 slot. We’re going to talk about what they can do, what makes them tick, and why they might just be the perfect fit for your next tech project. So, buckle up, and let’s get started!
Related: Best Single Board Computer [SBC] for NAS
Here Are Some of the Best SBCs with M.2 Slot
VisionFive 2
| RAM | 8GB |
| CPU | RISC-V U74 |
| GPU | IMG BXE-4-32 MC1 |
| Storage | N/A |
Oh, you’re going to love this – the VisionFive V2. It’s more than just your average single-board computer. let’s dive a bit deeper into the VisionFive V2. This SBC stands out in the crowd, primarily due to its quad-core 1.5 GHz RISC-V CPU. This is a type of open-hardware architecture that is gaining traction for its scalability and adaptability. It’s not just a pretty face, either. The VisionFive V2 is all about performance. Thanks to the dedicated GPU, you can expect smooth operations, making it suitable for desktop use.
Now, let’s talk about why you’re here: the M.2 slot. The VisionFive V2 comes equipped with a PCIe 2.0 M.2 M-key slot. This is a big deal because it allows you to connect NVMe drives directly to the SBC. That means faster data transfer and better performance overall. Plus, with dual Gigabit Ethernet ports, your network connectivity is in good hands. So, if you’re looking for a budget SBC with an M.2 Slot, the VisionFive V2 might just be your perfect match.
Orange Pi 5
| RAM | 8GB |
| CPU | ARM A76 + A55 |
| GPU | ARM Mali-G610 |
| Storage | N/A |
let’s talk about the Orange Pi 5 Plus, another impressive SBC to consider. What immediately catches the eye is its heart – the Rockchip RK3588 SoC. This board can be described as “beefier” with more IO pins compared to its cheaper counterpart, the RK3588S. This gives the Orange Pi 5 Plus the edge in terms of features, delivering multiple RAM options and NVMe storage.
Diving a bit deeper, this SBC offers several RAM options ranging from 4 to 16GB of LPDDR4. This makes it competitive with top-tier options like the Raspberry Pi 4, even surpassing it with the 16GB model. Under the hood, the octa-core CPU consists of four Arm Cortex-A76 cores clocking up to 2.4 GHz and four Arm Cortex-A55 cores running at up to 1.8 GHz. These specs give the Orange Pi 5 Plus the horsepower to outperform the Raspberry Pi 4, all at a similar price point.
Now let’s talk about the M.2 slot, a standout feature of this SBC. The Orange Pi 5 Plus has ditched the eMMC flash for onboard storage, offering instead a space for an NVMe 2280 SSD drive. This feature, combined with the potential for high-speed data transfer (up to 2,000 MB/s), makes it a compelling choice for those seeking high-performance storage on their SBC.
LattePanda 3 Delta
| RAM | 8GB |
| CPU | Intel Celeron N5105 |
| GPU | Intel UHD |
| Storage | 64GB |
If you want a small but powerful SBC, then the LattePanda 3 Delta is a top choice. This compact x86 Windows SBC is built around the Intel 11th generation mobile quad-core, quad-thread processor N5105 that can ramp up to a brisk 2.9GHz. This means it’s twice as fast as its predecessor, making it a potent pick for demanding tasks.
The LattePanda 3 Delta doesn’t skimp on memory either, packing up to 8GB of 2933MHz high-frequency LPDDR4 RAM, ensuring a seamless performance. The storage also gets a boost, extending up to 64GB so you can load up on software and data without worrying about external storage solutions.
The LattePanda 3 Delta stands out because it’s got an M.2 B Key slot. That’s a step up from the usual M.2 E Key slot, meaning you can connect to a 4G or 5G module if you want. All in all, the LattePanda 3 Delta is a small SBC that doesn’t compromise performance or features.
ODROID-H3+
| RAM | 2 x DDR4 slots – capacity 64GB |
| CPU | Intel Pentium N6005 |
| GPU | Intel UHD Graphics |
| Storage | N/A |
The ODROID-H3+ is a standout SBC that includes an M.2 slot, setting it apart from many competitors. Its M.2 PCI Express Module Socket (NGFF-2280) enables the connection of high-speed NVMe SSDs, thus enhancing data transfer rates and overall system performance compared to traditional storage options. Powered by an Intel Celeron N6005 processor, the ODROID-H3+ also offers robust computing power, further reinforced by its versatile connectivity options, including USB 3.0 and 2.0 ports, an HDMI 2.0 port, and a DisplayPort 1.2. This makes the ODROID-H3+ not only a high-performing SBC but also one of the best options for those seeking an M.2 slot.
Lattepanda sigma
| RAM | 16GB |
| CPU | Intel Core i5-1340P |
| GPU | Intel Iris Xe Graphics |
| Storage | N/A |
The LattePanda Sigma is a powerhouse among single-board computers (SBCs) offering an impressive performance boost to any project. The heart of this SBC is the Intel Core i5-1340P, a 12-core, 16-thread processor that can clock up to 4.60 GHz for performance cores and 3.40 GHz for efficient cores. This level of processing power opens up a world of possibilities for both hobbyists and professionals alike.
But where Sigma truly stands out is in its expansion capabilities. It features not one, but two M.2 M Key slots – one supporting PCIe 3.0 x4 and the other supporting PCIe 4.0 x4. This means you can add super-fast NVMe storage or other PCIe devices to further enhance the functionality of this board. Plus, it also comes with an M.2 E Key slot and an M.2 B Key slot, providing additional expansion possibilities
In summary, the LattePanda Sigma is a versatile, high-performance SBC that is equipped with advanced features like multiple M.2 slots, making it an excellent choice for a range of applications